Éamonn Fitzmaurice: This one will really hurt for Cork football

John Cleary's side looked like they'd made real progress this summer before a sickening defeat to Louth on Sunday.

GLORY DAYS: Louth's Sam Mulroy celebrates with supporters after the defeat of Cork. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

The eternal 'what now' question is relevant on Leeside again, following their defeat and exit from this year’s championship in Inniskeen. This one will really hurt. Deservedly there has been plenty of positive noises about Cork signalling that they have been going in the right direction since they righted the ship mid-may through the league. 

They have looked more like themselves and the swagger of old was returning. The Donegal win felt significant. Losing to Kerry and Tyrone would have been within the acceptable margin of error. Losing to Louth in a game they should have won isn’t.